Antoine Griezmann has denied he is set for a move to Barcelona, saying a report he will sign for the La Liga leaders is “not good information.”
Griezmann, who scored Atleti’s equaliser in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Real Madrid, got himself into hot water before last summer’s transfer window by rating his chances of moving to Manchester United as six-out-of-ten.
Telefoot claimed on Sunday that Barcelona are ready to pay the €200 million release clause in the 27-year-old’s contract.
“It’s not good information,” the France international said.
Griezmann made a slow start to the season, scoring only five of his 18 La Liga goals before the turn of the year, and admits that transfer rumours had taken their toll.
“It was because of what I said [about Manchester United]. I didn’t express myself well. I made mistakes,” he explained. “After that, I came back strongly physically and mentally I was fresher. Since January, I’ve been pulling up trees, let’s hope I continue like that.”
Griezmann, who has not ruled out staying at Atletico, did restate his desire for his “transfer or not” to be finalised before heading to the World Cup, and outlined the reasons why he wants that.
“To be free, to only think about France,” he said. “Otherwise, you’re getting calls left and right. I want to get to the World Cup only thinking about going all the way.”
Ian is ESPN’s French football correspondent. Twitter: @ian_holyman
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